NHL Rumor Mill – April 22, 2020

by | Apr 22, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – April 22, 2020

Check out the recent speculation on the Philadelphia Flyers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Toronto Maple Leafs in today’s NHL rumor mill.

DOES GOSTISBEHERE HAVE A FUTURE WITH THE FLYERS?

NBC SPORTS: Examining the Philadelphia Flyers’ long-term needs last week, James O’Brien noted Shayne Gostisbehere surfaced in trade rumors this season. He pointed out the 26-year-old defenseman was hampered by injuries this season. He doesn’t feel they should sell low on a player who can generate offense, is reasonably young, and carries a generally cheap annual average value ($4.5 million) through 2022-23.

 

Does Shayne Gostisbehere still have a future with the Philadelphia Flyers? (Photo via NHL Images)

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cap Friendly indicates the Flyers have over $69.5 million invested in 13 players for 2020-21. They have enough to re-sign restricted free agents like Nolan Patrick, Oskar Lindblom, Philippe Myers, and Robert Hagg, and should have sufficient space to re-sign or replace unrestricted free agent goalie Brian Elliott. If they want to add to their lineup, however, they’ll have to make a cost-cutting trade. The preference could be to get a player of decent value for Gostisbehere, but they could sell low and use the cap savings to pursue another player via a separate trade or free agency.

WHICH GOLDEN KNIGHTS UFAS MIGHT DEPART AFTER THIS SEASON?

THE ATHLETIC (SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED): Jesse Granger recently examined which Vegas Golden Knights’ free agents will stay or go. He believes keeping UFA goalie Robin Lehner will mean moving a big piece of their lineup because they cannot afford to invest $13-$14 million in Lehner and Marc-Andre Fleury. Granger predicts UFA forward Ryan Reaves could re-sign for one more year at $1.5 million. The emergence of Nicolas Roy could make Tomas Nosek expendable. It might be time to move on from Deryk Engelland and Jon Merrill.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless the Golden Knights pull a swerve and trade Fleury, they’ll bid adieu to Lehner following this season, whenever that might be. If Reaves is discussing a two-year extension, perhaps it’ll be for $1.5 million annually.

LATEST LEAFS SPECULATION.

SPORTSNET: Luke Fox addresses some Toronto Maple Leafs speculation in a recent mailbag segment. He doubts the Leafs can land St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo via free agency. He noted the Leafs prefer dealing for players with term left on their contracts, suggesting Anaheim’s Josh Manson, Buffalo’s Rasmus Ristolainen, and Minnesota’s Matt Dumba as possible trade targets.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If Pietrangelo were willing to sign with the Leafs, they cannot afford him. It’s believed it could cost over $9 million annually to sign him. Assuming a flat cap for next season, the Leafs have nearly $77 million invested in 16 players for next season. Unless they shed significant salary, they won’t have sufficient cap space to invest in Pietrangelo.

As for Manson, Ristolainen, and Dumba, the asking price for each will likely be a top-six scorer, preferably a center. That’s what the Ducks, Sabres, and Wild need. And no, I don’t believe Alexander Kerfoot will address that need.

Fox believes Andreas Johnsson could be the player Leafs GM Kyle Dubas would be most comfortable trading, but he doesn’t consider him the one most likely to be moved. He feels Kerfoot or Kasperi Kapanen would be more enticing to GMs with defensemen they’re willing to trade.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Johnsson’s sophomore slump and injured right knee hurt his trade value. It could take parting with Kapanen or Kerfoot to land that top-four blueliner the Leafs desperately need after this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 15, 2020

by | Apr 15, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – April 15, 2020

Several Western Conference clubs will face some serious off-season questions. Check out the details in today’s NHL rumor mill.

SPORTSNET: Ryan Dixon wondered if the rebuilding Anaheim Ducks might shop a defenseman like Josh Manson or Cam Fowler.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If they do, it could be for a young scoring forward. Manson would be the easiest to move. He has a 12-team no-trade list, while Fowler has a four-team trade list.

Dixon expects Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka to continue pursuing a goal scorer, but wondered what’s the next solution? Phil Kessel turned into a disappointment, and they saw marginal improvement when Taylor Hall was acquired in December.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Do they shop more futures? They already traded away their 2020 first-rounder. Do they offer up promising defenseman Jakob Chycrhun despite his long injury history? Chayka’s going to have to get creative.

Could the Calgary Flames shop Johnny Gaudreau this off-season? (Photo via NHL Images)

Dixon mused about the possibility of the Calgary Flames shopping Johnny Gaudreau.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Never say never, but I don’t see this happening. Gaudreau’s numbers were down this season, but the 26-year-old winger is only a year removed from a career-high 99-point performance. Unless Flames GM Brad Treliving is going to rebuild the roster (and I don’t believe that’s his intention), It doesn’t make any sense to trade his best scorer because of one bad year.

The Chicago Blackhawks need goaltenders next season. Even if they re-sign 35-year-old Corey Crawford, Dixon thinks they must add another quality goalie who can play 40 games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If, as expected, Crawford is re-signed for another year or two, they could find several good options in this summer’s UFA market. Boston’s Jaroslav Halak, Calgary’s Cam Talbot, Dallas’ Anton Khudobin, and the New York Islanders’ Thomas Greiss could be available.

Dixon asked if the Colorado Avalanche have Taylor Hall‘s phone number when he hits the open market in the off-season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: He feels Hall would be a great addition on the Avs’s second line. I agree, but signing Hall will be an expensive undertaking. The Avalanche could easily afford him this year, but he would become their highest-paid player. Assuming they could get him for $8 million annually, that’s too much to invest in a second-line player, especially when Gabriel Landeskog and rising star Cale Makar will be in line for big raises next year.

Dixon wondered where the Dallas Stars will find some young forwards. It could cost them futures to land a scorer in his prime.

He’s also curious how much it’ll cost the Edmonton Oilers to re-sign Ryan Nugent-Hopkins before he becomes a UFA next summer. He also expects them to shop around for a goalie, as it may be asking too much to bank on 38-year-old Mike Smith.

Can the Los Angeles Kings trade Jeff Carter or Dustin Brown?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless they absorb half their salary or take on a toxic contract in return, the answer is no. Both are 35 and carrying annual salary-cap hits exceeding $5 million annually through 2021-22.

Does it make sense for the Minnesota Wild to trade defenseman Matt Dumba?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: No, it doesn’t. Dumba is 25 and signed through 2022-23. This was a down season stats-wise, but he was also coming off a serious pectoral muscle injury last season. Sometimes it takes time to fully recover from that type of injury. GM Bill Guerin could keep an open ear for reasonable trade offers, but I think he’ll hang onto Dumba.

Can the San Jose Sharks find a starting goalie? Dixon advocates pursuing a UFA netminder like Braden Holtby, Jacob Markstrom, or Robin Lehner.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Good idea, but the Sharks have over $66 million invested in 13 players, with $5.75 million annually being paid to current starting goalie Martin Jones, who has a three-team trade list. Unless they can find a way to move out Jones or slash another salary, they could be forced to consider more affordable short-term options.

Will Alex Pietrangelo re-sign with the St. Louis Blues?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I believe he will, but the Blues will have to shed some salary to accommodate his raise to between $8 million and $9 million annually.

Can the Vancouver Canucks keep Jacob Markstrom?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Yes, but like the Blues, they’ll have to shed a salary to fit in his new contract. Maybe this is the year they find a taker for Loui Eriksson or buy out the remainder of his contract.

Is Robin Lehner the Vegas Golden Knights’ long-term goalie?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: On the one hand, Lehner is younger than starter Marc-Andre Fleury, put up better numbers over the last two seasons, and is in his playing prime. On the other hand, Fleury is a proven performer and remains the face of the Golden Knights. Had Lehner come in and took over the starter’s job from Fleury over the remainder of this season, perhaps he could make the case as their long-term goalie. Re-signing him would force the cap-strapped Golden Knights to dump a salary or two.

Dixon wondered if the Winnipeg Jets might move a forward to bolster their blueline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I wouldn’t rule it out, but the anticipated termination of Dustin Byfuglien’s contract ($7.6 million AAV) could provide sufficient wiggle room to find more affordable depth options for next season.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 13, 2020

by | Apr 13, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – April 13, 2020

Some suggested destinations for Torey Krug in today’s NHL rumor mill.

WHERE WILL KRUG GO?

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Matt Larkin recently listed five potential destinations for Torey Krug. The 29-year-old defenseman will become an unrestricted free agent in the off-season.

Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug will be among this off-season’s top free agents (Photo via NHL Images).

Re-signing with the Bruins topped Larkin’s list. Krug wants to stay and the Bruins would love to keep him. They could have around $20 million in salary-cap space if the maximum remains at $81.5 million. Larkin pointed out there isn’t a player within the Bruins’ system to replace Krug.

If Krug can’t work out a deal with the Bruins, Larkin suggested the Michigan native could sign with the Detroit Red Wings. He’d be a perfect fit with the rebuilding Wings, who’ll also have plenty of cap room to pay him a big raise.

Krug could fill a long-term blueline need for the Vegas Golden Knights, but the cap-strapped club would have to shed salary to sign him. Larkin also suggested the Montreal Canadiens could be a fit if their management believes they can contend soon. The Florida Panthers could also use Krug if they decide to distribute their spending differently.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I think the Bruins and Krug will work something out. He’s a valuable member of their defense corps and will help them remain a Stanley Cup contender over the next several years. He’s talked about a hometown discount, which I believe could come in between $6.5 million to $7 million annually. A sticking point could be the term, not dollars. Bruins management could balk at anything over five years.

It could take a big sell job by Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman to sell Krug on the Wings. They can easily afford Krug, but he might prefer joining a club with a shot at becoming a Stanley Cup contender within the next several years.

Cap Friendly indicates the Golden Knights have over $72.6 million invested in 14 players for 2020-21. All their core players are under contract, but they can’t afford Krug without dumping a big contract. Larkin suggested shopping recently-acquired Alec Martinez, who’s signed through next season with an annual average value of $4 million, but I don’t think that will free up sufficient cap room for Krug and still leave enough to fill out the rest of the roster.

The Canadiens desperately need help on the left side of their defense. Krug would help, but would he sign with the Bruins’ long-time rival? He could if the Habs offer up enough money, but they could seek a left-side top-four defenseman who can play more of a shutdown role.

Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon has a reputation for making bold moves. Signing Krug, however, could be challenging.

There’s speculation the Panthers could cut costs for next season. As Larkin suggested, that could mean allowing forwards Mike Hoffman and/or Evgenii Dadonov to depart via free agency and sinking the savings into someone like Krug.

However, the Panthers got burned by last summer’s expensive signings of Sergei Bobrovsky ($10.5 million annually) and Anton Stralman ($5.5 million). Ownership might not have the stomach for another big UFA addition this year.










NHL Rumor Mill – April 10, 2020

by | Apr 10, 2020

NHL Rumor Mill – April 10, 2020

Offseason questions for several Pacific Division teams in today’s NHL rumor mill.

THE SCORE: Sean O’Leary recently posed one offseason question for each NHL Pacific Division team. Among the noteworthy were the following:

What’s the direction for the Anaheim Ducks? O’Leary feels a full rebuild is necessary, but management hasn’t yet shown any desire to go that route.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: If general manager Bob Murray opts for a roster teardown and rebuild, he could consider shopping veterans such as Adam Henrique, Rickard Rakell, Cam Fowler and Josh Manson. All of them surfaced at one point or another in this season’s rumor mill.

Henrique, Fowler, and Manson, however, all have modified no-trade clauses. Rakell lacks no-trade protection, but moving him would only deplete the Ducks’ anemic offense.

Given the Calgary Flames’ salary-cap constraints, O’Leary wondered which of their unrestricted free agent defensemen will be back next season. He pointed out that Flames GM Brad Treliving attempted to ship T.J. Brodie to the Toronto Maple Leafs last year for Nazem Kadri before the latter was shipped to the Colorado Avalanche.

Travis Hamonic shouldn’t be too expensive to retain. O’Leary also wondered if recently-acquired Erik Gustafsson might be offered a team-friendly deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: With over $64.5 million invested in 13 players, the choice could come down to Brodie or Hamonic. I also read suggestions they could let Gustafsson walk in favor of retaining the more-affordable Michael Stone.

Will the Edmonton Oilers re-sign goaltender Mike Smith? (Photo via NHL Images)

O’Leary asked how the Edmonton Oilers can build upon this season’s success. GM Ken Holland made some savvy moves to bolster their roster depth this season, but what else could be done?

He felt they’ll have to rely on finding cheap reinforcements while allowing youngsters like Kailer Yamamoto, Ethan Bear, and Evan Bouchard to develop into NHL players. He also wondered if they’ll re-sign goaltender Mike Smith for another year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Oilers have over $70 million committed to 15 players, so the options are limited unless they make a salary-dumping move or two. Buying out James Neal has been floated by The Athletic’s Allan Mitchell. Some in the Edmonton media feel Smith’s done enough to earn another one-year deal.

Addressing the goaltending is a question for the San Jose Sharks. Starter Martin Jones has four years left on his contract with an annual average value of $5.75 million, and he’s hurt his trade value with successive poor performances over the last two seasons. O’Leary feels GM Doug Wilson will have to get creative.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: O’Leary mentioned the options of shopping the first-round pick in the 2020 draft they picked up from the Tampa Bay Lightning, but I don’t see Wilson moving that unless he gets an offer too good to refuse.

The Sharks GM has shown the ability to wheel and deal to get his club back on track following a lousy 2014-15 campaign. He could pull it off again.

What does Vancouver Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom sign for?

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My guess is four years at $6 million annually. Discuss!

O’Leary wondered if the Vegas Golden Knights will re-sign goaltender Robin Lehner. The pending UFA goalie was acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks at the Feb. 24 trade deadline.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Unless they plan on a giant swerve by trading Marc-Andre Fleury, I don’t see how they can afford Lehner. After two solid seasons, he’ll be seeking a lucrative long-term deal. With over $72 million tied up in 14 players, the Golden Knights lack the cap space.










NHL Up and Down the Boards – Bruins, Golden Knights Tops on Very Early 2021 Stanley Cup Odds

by | Apr 10, 2020

NHL Up and Down the Boards – Bruins, Golden Knights Tops on Very Early 2021 Stanley Cup Odds

 










NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 6, 2020

by | Apr 6, 2020

NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – April 6, 2020

Talk of resuming the NHL season in North Dakota, plus the latest on Robin Lehner, Seth Jones, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and more in today’s NHL morning coffee headlines.

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports the NHL and NHLPA are spitballing scenarios over where the remainder of the 2019-20 NHL season/playoff games could be played. One suggestion is staging a tournament-style schedule in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Other locales are also being discussed.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Most fans and pundits are writing off this season, but the NHL and NHLPA will explore every viable option to at least stage the Stanley Cup playoffs. It’s more than just about crowning a Stanley Cup champion, as they also want to reduce their revenue losses. Canceling the season will reportedly cost them up to $1.1 billion in lost hockey-related revenue.

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch reports NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly will reportedly provide an update today to the league board of governors. It’s expected to focus on the recent talks between US President Donald Trump and the heads of the respective major professional sports leagues and organizations. The various models for a potential return to action could also be discussed.

NHL.COM: Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner recently celebrated his second year of sobriety by taking to Twitter to thank his family and friends for reaching that milestone.

Seth Jones has resumed skating at the Columbus Blue Jackets’ training facility (Photo via NHL Images).

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Congratulations to Lehner for turning his life and career around. Here’s hoping he has many more years of happiness.

ESPN.COM: Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones has resumed skating at the club’s training facility. He’s recovering from ankle surgery. As an injured player, he’s allowed to work out on team property as part of his rehab.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Jones should be ready to return to the Jackets’ lineup if the NHL returns this summer.

NEW YORK POST: Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau finds his professional and personal life in limbo because of the coronavirus. He was traded to the Islanders from the Ottawa Senators at the Feb. 24 trade deadline. He and his wife are still searching for a home.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL: The Vegas Golden Knights will donate meals to doctors, nurses and employees at local hospitals who are working during the coronavirus pandemic.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Blue Jackets training camp invitee Egor Sokolov is helping to deliver groceries around Sydney, Nova Scotia. Sokolov plays for the QMJHL’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.